FAQ

General

Are Chem-Dry products safe for my kids and pets?

All of the ingredients in Chem-Dry’s primary cleaner, The Natural, are on the F.D.A.’s G.R.A.S. (Generally Recognized as Safe) list and are safe for your carpets, your home and your family. The Natural does not contain any soaps or harsh chemicals.

Is Chem-Dry a steam cleaner?

No, Chem-Dry is not a steam cleaner. Chem-Dry uses carbonation to lift up dirt and grime from your carpets so we do not need to use the gallons of water that typical steam cleaners use. Chem-Dry’s Hot Carbonating Extraction process is approved by all major carpet manufacturers.

Carpet Cleaning

What is the best carpet cleaning method?

Chem-Dry’s cleaning process is better and healthier than other methods for your carpet and upholstery cleaning. Chem-Dry’s unique hot carbonating extraction carpet cleaning method uses the power of carbonation to extract more dirt and grime from your carpets, giving them a deeper and longer lasting clean. Our carbonated cleaning solution only requires us to use a fraction of the moisture other methods such as steam cleaning require. This allows your carpets to dry faster, typically in 1-2 hours rather than 1-2 days, and helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew under your carpet. Chem-Dry’s signature cleaning solution, The Natural®, is a cleaning mixture that—through the power of carbonation—lifts dirt to the surface where it is whisked away. The Natural is non-toxic and ideal for homes with kids and pets, and has received the Green Certification.

Why do I need protectant on my carpets?

Most new carpets come with a factory-applied protectant but this wears off over time. Reapplying a protectant on your carpets can help resist stains and soiling, so your carpets will stay cleaner longer. Another reason protectant is a smart investment is that it slows the aging and wearing process and can extend the life of your carpets.

How do you remove pet urine odor from carpets?

Pet odors can linger on for months if not treated properly. As urine dries in the carpet and padding, what’s left are millions of concentrated urine crystals that become even more pungent. Many companies just mask this odor. Chem-Dry uses a patented system, P.U.R.T.® (Pet Urine Removal Treatment) to explode the urine crystals and break down the enzymes which gets rid of the pet urine odor forever.

Will my carpets re-soil quickly after the cleaning is finished?

Many carpet cleaners including steam cleaners use soaps and detergents in their process. This often leaves behind a sticky residue on your carpets that attracts dirt, leads to carpets re-soiling quickly after being cleaned and often requires more frequent professional cleanings. At Chem-Dry, we use an all-natural, biodegradable carpet and upholstery cleaning solution that doesn’t contain any soaps, detergents or harsh chemicals, so it won’t leave behind any sticky or filmy residues to attract dirt.

How long will it take for my carpet to dry completely?

Drying time depends on humidity levels, airflow to the room(s) cleaned, and the type of carpet. In general, turning on your air conditioning or fans will help accelerate dry times. After a Chem-Dry professional cleaning, it typically takes 1-2 hours for the carpet to dry. Sometimes carpets can take longer to dry for various reasons.

How often should I have my carpets cleaned?

Industry experts suggest that homeowners clean their carpets every 3-6 months especially homes with kids, pets or if someone in your home has asthmas or allergies. Regular cleaning will not only improve your home’s appearance, but it will eliminate germs and allergens, improve your home’s indoor air quality and extend the life of your carpeting.

Should I vacuum before you arrive?

This is not necessary. Chem-Dry’s professionally trained carpet and upholstery cleaners will vacuum your carpets with our commercial, HEPA-filtered vacuum when they arrive as a standard part of our service.

What type of chemicals does Chem-Dry use?

Chem-Dry uses an all-natural, Green-Certified cleaning product called The Natural as our primary cleaner. The Natural, doesn’t contain any soaps or phosphates and is safe, non-toxic and hypo-allergenic. By contrast, most steam cleaners use soaps, detergents and harsh chemicals in their process.

Why does Chem-Dry not use as much water to clean my carpets as steam cleaning does?

Chem-Dry uses up to 80% less water than typical steam cleaning because its carbonated cleaner, The Natural, relies on millions of microscopic bubbles to release dirt and grime from the fibers of your carpet and raise it to the surface where it can easily be swept away. This low water, low pressure approach is healthier for your carpets, allows your carpets to dry in only 1-2 hours and is also more environmentally friendly.

Can other carpet cleaning methods actually hurt my carpets?

Yes. Typical steam cleaning uses a process of dumping large amounts of soapy water into your carpets and then trying to suck it all back out. Because the heavy amount of water results in an extended drying time, usually 1-2 days, this method can actually cause carpets to rot or grow mold.

Area and Oriental Rug Cleaning

Is Chem-Dry’s cleaning process safe for my rugs?

Our effective, yet gentle, area rug cleaning and drying process preserves the dye within the fibers of your rug, leaving the colors of your rug vibrant and fresh. Our cleaning products don’t leave behind any dirt-attracting residues and help your area rugs stay cleaner longer – providing a safe and healthy home environment for your family and pets.

Why should I have my area and oriental rugs cleaned?

Area and oriental rugs usually receive a lot of traffic. Just like carpets and upholstered furniture, area and oriental rugs act as air filters for the home, trapping dirt, allergens and bacteria. A thorough, professional oriental and area rug cleaning is the only way to remove the deep-down dirt, make this area of your home look nicer and ensure that all areas of your home stay clean and healthy.

Do you offer pickup and delivery of rugs?

Yes, Chem-Dry Northeast offers complimentary pickup and delivery of area rugs being washed in our plant.

Upholstery Cleaning

How long does it take for furniture to dry?

In most cases, the furniture dries within just a couple of hours, but in some cases it may take overnight to fully dry depending on the fabric and soil condition.

Do you offer protectant or stain guard for upholstery?

Yes, after the upholstery cleaning, you can have the furniture stain guarded with Chem-Dry’s Protectant.

In homes that have carpet, up to 80% of the dust and dirt brought into the home can end up in your furniture and upholstered fabrics.

Stone, Tile and Grout Cleaning

Why should I have my grout lines sealed?

Grout is a porous material that absorbs soil and spills, just like carpet. Having a sealant applied will help create a protective barrier, giving you more time to clean up dirt and liquid spills before they soak into the grout. The type of sealant you choose will determine the degree of stain resistance.

Why should I have my stone, tile and grout cleaned?

Just like carpet, dirt builds up over time that dulls your tile or stone’s appearance and discolors your grout. A thorough, professional stone, tile and grout cleaning is the only way to remove the deep-down dirt, make this area of your home look nicer and ensure that all areas of your home are clean and healthy.

How often should I clean my tile, stone and/or grout?

As with carpet, many factors need to be considered when determining the frequency of tile and grout cleaning. Foot traffic, children, pets, and routine floor maintenance will affect how often you need to have your tile, stone & grout cleaned.